VISION AND NEEDS: Our client came to us with a vision for their dream house for their growing family with three young children. This was their second attempt at getting the right design. The first time around, after working with an out-of-state online architect, they could not achieve the level of quality they wanted. McHugh delivered a home with higher quality design. MCHUGH SOLUTION: The Shingle/Dutch Colonial Design was our client's dream home style. Their priorities were to have a home office for both parents. Ample living space for kids and friends, along with outdoor space and a pool. Double sink bathroom for the kids and a master bedroom with bath for the parents. Despite being close a flood zone, clients could have a fully finished basement with 9ft ceilings and a full attic. Because of the higher water table, the first floor was considerably above grade. To soften the ascent of the front walkway, we designed planters around the stairs, leading up to the porch.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

PROFESSIONAL WINE CELLARING Serious collectors go to considerable pains to protect their wine investments. Equally true, most wine lovers don’t have the luxury of a temperature-econtrolled cellar at home. Off-site wine storage is often the best solution to protect your investments large or small. Vinotel provides ideal conditions to entrust your collection. Cool, quiet and dark are the perfect conditions for successful wine aging. CONCIERGE & COLLECTION Vinotel’s Professional Wine Storage is the cellaring solution for your wines. Collections are catalogued and viewable online with a unique login and password for all Vinotel clients. Our concierge provides wines from your collection upon request. Our cellar manager maintains the safest 55-F environment with 70-RH in the market and biometric security access only to Vinotel staff.